KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) recorded a strong intake of 1,058 new students for its Pre-University (Pra-Universiti) programme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, said that the figure marks the second consecutive year of high enrolment for the programme.
“This is quite a significant number compared to previous years. At one point, we even had about 1,200 students,” he said this when met by reporters after officiating at the university’s Student Pledge Ceremony held today.
He explained that UNIMAS remains committed to creating educational opportunities, especially for students from rural Sarawak.
“As usual, we open an appeal phase every year. In this process, we prioritise students from rural areas and those with limited access to tertiary education,” he said.
Ahmad Hata stated that around 70 per cent of the pre-university students this year are Sarawak natives, highlighting the university’s important role in providing accessible and inclusive education within the state.
“Many of these students cannot afford to pursue studies in Peninsular Malaysia.
“With UNIMAS here in Sarawak, they no longer need to go far to receive quality education,” he added, citing his own experience of having to study in the Penisular Malaysia in the past.
He also emphasised the importance of diversity and unity among students at the university.
“With students coming from various states and ethnic backgrounds, we hope they will learn to understand and respect one another,” he said.
Quoting from his expertise in genetics, he noted that 99.9 per cent of human DNA is identical, and only 0.1 per cent differs, a fact he used to highlight the beauty of human diversity.
“As a university driven by community values and inclusivity, we prioritise mutual understanding and harmony,” he said.
He added that UNIMAS is not only focused on providing academic excellence but also on developing well-rounded graduates ready to contribute meaningfully to society and the workforce.
